At Rhode Island, Rothstein was team captain as a senior and graduated in 1964 with a degree in physical education.

[3] Ron Rothstein has a wife, Olivia, two children, Dana and David, and four grandchildren, Lucas, Hailey, Aidan, and Ava Jade.

Rothstein returned to Eastchester High for the 1978–79 season and coached varsity basketball and physical education thru June 1983.

In 2000, he was hired as head coach and general manager for the WNBA's Miami Sol, where he stayed during the franchise's entire existence (2000–2003).

On January 3, 2007, Rothstein was named as the interim head coach of the Miami Heat in place of Pat Riley, who took a leave of absence for knee and hip surgery.